Primary opening apparatus

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for forming a primary opening in a collapsed roll of sheet stock. A first pair of longitudinally elongated shoes is arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis which passes through a frame element, and a fluid power cylinder is connected to move the shoes outwardly away from and inwardly toward the frame and the axis between extended and retracted positions. A second pair of longitudinally elongated shoes is disposed between the first pair of shoes and a pointed nose member on the axis. The front ends of the second shoes are pivotally connected to the nose member at a common point on the axis and the rear ends are respectively removably pivotally connected to the front ends of the first shoes, the nose member and the first and second shoes forming a generally wedge-shaped configuration in the retracted position. A retainer member is removably connected to the first shoes for retaining their rear ends in their retracted position so that the first shoes are inclined upwardly and forwardly to their front ends upon actuation of the cylinder. When the nose member, second shoes and retainer member are removed, the first shoes are extended laterally outwardly upon actuation of the cylinder.

United States Patent 1 Van Gompel 1 July 31, 1973 PRIMARY OPENING APPARATUS [75] Inventor: James J. Van Gompel, Fremont, 1nd.

[7 3] Assignee: s'rammmim, Angola, Ind.

[22] Filed: Jan. 26, 1972 211 Appl. No.: 221,016

[52] US. Cl. 254/104, 72/148, 72/393,

[51] Int. Cl. B66! 1/00, B66f 3/24 [58] Field of Search 254/93 R, 93 H, 124, 254/104; 72/148, 392, 393; 29/239, 252, 253

[56] A References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,341,278 2/1944 Long 72/392 2,690,323 9/1954 Evenson 254/ 104 3,292,903 12/1966 Meyer et a1 3,635,440 1/1972 Van Compel 254/93 R lirimertiemis f bsl Mr Simon Attorney-Harold BIT-100d, Robert G. Irish et al [57] ABSTRACT Apparatus for forming a primary opening in a collapsed roll of sheet stock. A first pair of longitudinally elongated shoes is arranged on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis which passes through a frame element, and a fluid power cylinder is connected to move the shoes outwardly away from and inwardly toward the frame and the axis between extended and retracted positions. A second pair of longitudinally elongated shoes is disposed between the first pair of shoes and a pointed nose member on the axis. The front ends of the second shoes are pivotally connected to the nose member at a common point on the axis and the rear ends are respectively removably pivotally connected to the front ends of the first shoes, the nose member and the first and second shoes forming a generally wedge-shaped configuration in the retracted position. A retainer member is removably connected to the first shoes for retaining their rear ends in their retracted position so that the first shoes are inclined upwardly and forwardly to their front ends upon actuation of the cylinder. When the nose memher, second shoes and retainer member are removed, the first shoes are extended laterally outwardly upon actuation of the cylinder.

17 Claims, 20 Drawing Figures PATENIEDJUL 31 ms SHEEI 2 [IF 5 PATENIE JUm ms SHEET 3 BF 5 FIGS PAIENIEU Jum I975 SHEET 8 [IF 5 FIG! I FIGIO FIGJZ PRIMARY OPENING APPARATUS BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention This invention relates generally to an apparatus and method for opening a collapsed roll of sheet stock.

2. Description of the Prior Art Large rolls of sheet material, such as printing paper and paper used in the paper conversion industry, are conventionally supported on cylindrical cores formed of relatively thin-walled material, such as cardboard or metal. Large rolls or coils of sheet metal, such as tin plate, aluminum or steel are conventionally wound on mandrels and after removal therefrom are selfsupporting, i.e., no core is provided. During the transportation of such large rolls or coils and/or the handling thereof at the utilization plant, there are times when the roll or coil is dropped or otherwise jostled resulting in deformation or depression of the roll with resultant deformation or collapse of the core or central opening. Such deformed rolls cannot be employed on modern, high-speed equipment due, among other things, to vibration. The scrap value of a deformed roll of paper or sheet metal is a small fraction of the original cost of the paper or metal and thus, a substantial loss is incurred unless the material can be salvaged. The paper or sheet metal on the deformed roll can, of course, be salvaged by rewinding from the deformed roll onto a new cylindrical core or mandrel however, such rewinding is a time consuming operation requiring rewinding apparatus which is not commonly available at the utilization plant.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,292,903 granted Dec. 20, 1966, and assigned to the Assignee of the present application, discloses apparatus for straightening deformed rolls which comprises a pair of shoes adapted to be inserted in one end of the core or center opening of a deformed roll,

' the shoes being separated by an external ram-actuated mechanism thereby to straighten the roll. By reason of the arrangement and configuration of the apparatus, the shoes can only be positioned in the entrance of the the use of some other apparatus for providing a primary opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,677,058 granted July I8, 1972 and also assigned to the Assignee of the present application discloses an apparatus and method for restoring large deformed rolls of sheet stock to cylindrical shape employing a plurality of interconnected, curved, ramactuated shoes which, when expanded by the ram, assume a cylindrical configuration. That apparatus, however, still requires the use of other apparatus for forming an initial or primary opening when the core or central opening is nearly or substantially collapsed.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,440 granted July 20, 1970 and also assigned to the Assignee of the present application discloses force exerting apparatus usable for straightening deformed rolls of sheet stock which employs a pair of shoes which are separated by a toggle linkage actuated by a longitudinally extending hydraulic cylinder. While such apparatus is capable of initial insertion in a severely depressed, large diameter roll and provides substantially greater expansion than that provided by the apparatus of the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 3,618,895, that apparatus still cannot be directly inserted into a nearly or substantially collapsed core or central opening.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is desirable to provide a single apparatus or tool capable of insertion directly into the interior of the core or central opening of a substantially collapsed roll of sheet stock and of expanding the same sufiiciently to N form an initial or primary opening of proper size and configuration to receive another tool for completing core or center opening and thus, such apparatus is not central opening. That apparatus comprises an elongated, generally wedge-shaped body adapted to be inserted into the interior of the core or center opening and a ram-actuated shoe carried by the body for exerting outward force on depressed areas of the core or central opening thereby to restore the roll to its original round configuration. Such spreaders are limited in their use to rolls having a relatively small diameter core or central opening.

U.S. Pat. No. 3,625,046 granted Dec. 7, l97l and also assigned to the Assignee of the present application discloses an apparatus and method for straightening deformed rolls of sheet stock employing a hydraulic ram exerting force on a pair of self-aligning, outwardly curved shoes. However, that apparatus cannot be inserted in a completely collapsed core thus necessitating restoration of the core or central opening to its original cylindrical shape.

In its broader aspects the invention provides an improvement in apparatus for opening a collapsed roll of sheet stock which includes a frame element having a front end, a pair of shoe elements respectively on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis which passes through the frame element and respectively having front ends, and means connected to the frame element for moving the shoe elements outwardly away from and inwardly toward its axis between extended and retracted positions. The improvement comprises the provision of a pointed nose member on the axis for facilitating entry of the apparatus into the core or center opening of a collapsed roll, and means for removably attaching the nose member to the front end of the frame element or the front ends of the pair of shoe elements. The nose member and the shoe elements define a generally wedge-shaped configuration in the retracted position.

In one embodiment of the invention, the nose member is attached to the shoe elements by another pair of shoe elements respectively removably pivotally connected to the front ends of the first pair of shoe elements and pivotally connected to the nose member at a common point on the axis. In another embodiment, the nose member is removably attached to the front end of the frame element.

While the apparatus and method of the invention is particularly suited for use in conjunction with the apparatus disclosed in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,440, it will be understood that other linkages may be employed for actuating the shoe elements between their extended and retracted positions.

It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide improved apparatus for opening a collapsed roll of sheet stock.

Another object of the invention is to provide an improved method for opening a collapsed roll of sheet stock.

A further object of the invention is to provide improved apparatus capable of insertion directly into the interior of the core or central opening ofa substantially collapsed roll of sheet stock and for thereafter expanding the same sufficiently to permit subsequent insertion of other apparatus for completing restoration of the roll to its original cylindrical shape.

Yet another object of the invention is to provide an improved apparatus and method for providing a primary opening in a collapsed roll of sheet stock.

The above-mentioned and other features and objects of this invention and the manner of attaining them will become more apparent and the invention itself will be best understood by reference to the following description of an embodiment of the invention taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. I is a side crosssectional view showing the preferred embodiment of the invention in its retracted position;

FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in its intermediate extended position;

FIG. 3 is a top cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 5-5 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a fragmentary side view, partly in crosssection, showing an impacting tool assembled on the apparatus of the previous figures for driving the apparatus' into the core or central opening of a collapsed roll;

FIGS. 7 through 11 diagrammatically illustrate one series of steps which may be employed in opening a collapsed roll of sheet stock using the apparatus of the previous figures;

FIG. 12 diagrammatically illustratesanother method step which may be employed using the apparatus of the previous figures;

FIGS. 13 and 14 diagrammatically illustrate use of the apparatus of the previous figures in opening a coil of sheet metal positioned on a pallet;

FIGS. 15 through '17 further diagrammatically illustrate-the formation of a primary opening using the apparatus of the previous figures;

FIG. 18 is a side view showing another embodiment of the apparatus of the invention;

FIG. 19 is a fragmentary top view of the apparatus of FIG. 18; and

FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along the line 20-20 of FIG. 18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Referring now to FIGS. 1 through 5 of the drawings, the primary opening apparatus of the invention, generally indicated at 22 is shown embodied in force exerting or spreading apparatus of the type shown in the aforesaid U.S. Pat. No. 3,635,440. Apparatus 22 comprises hydraulic cylinder 24 disposed on horizontal axis 26 and having piston rod 28. Piston rod 28 is longitudinally movable between a fully retracted position, as shown in FIG. I, and a fully extended position, as shown in FIG. 2, upon application of hydraulic fluid under pressure to inlet port 30.

Forward and 32 of cylinder 24 is secured in an opening in block 34, as by a threaded connection as shown. A frame element is provided comprising a pair of elongated, transversely spaced-apart parallel frame members 36, 38 having rear ends 40 secured to block 34, as by welding. Frame members 36, 38 extend longitudinally forwardly from block 34 and end 32 of cylinder 24 in spaced-parallel relationship with piston rod 28, and have their front ends 42 spaced longitudinally forwardly from outer end 44 of piston rod 28 when it is in its extended position, as shown in FIG. 2.

Outer end 44 of piston rod 28 is threadingly seated in opening 46 in pivot block 48 which extends transversely between frame members 36, 38. Pivot block 48 has a pair of transversely spaced-apart, forwardly extending pivot arms 50 defining a clevis. Forward surface 52 of pivot block 48 has a forwardly facing, V- shaped configuration for a purpose to be described.

A pair of main, longitudinally elongated, forceexerting shoe elements 54, 56 are provided respectively disposed on opposite sides of axis 26 and frame members 36, 38. Shoes 54, 56 are movable outwardly away from and inwardly toward axis 26 and frame members 36, 38 between a fully retracted position when piston rod 28 is fully retracted, as shown in FIG. 1, an intermediate expanded position when piston rod 28 is fully extended but with rear ends 58 retained in the retracted position by retainer member 60, as shown in FIG. 2, and a fully extended position with retainer member 60 removed and piston rod 28 also fully extended, as shown in FIG. 12.

A first pair of links 62, 64 are provided. Link 62 has its inner end pivotally connected to arms 50 of pivot block 48 by pivot pin 66 which has its axis bisecting longitudinal axis 26. A pair of transversely spaced projections 70a, 70b depend from shoe 54 and extend forwardly to and beyond front end 72 thereof. Link 62 has its outer end disposed between the rear ends of projections 70a, 70b and is pivotally connected thereto by pivot pin 68. Links 64 comprise a pair of transversely spaced link arms 64a, 64b having their inner ends disposed on either side of link 62 and pivotally connected to arms 50 of block 48 by pivot pin 66. Link arms 64a, 64b have their outer ends pivotally connected by pivot pin 74 to projection 76 depending from shoe 56 and extending forwardly and beyond front end 72 thereof.

A second pair of links'78, 80 is provided. Link 78 has its inner end pivotally connected to frame members 36,

38 by pivot pin 82 which extends transversely between ends positioned on either side of link 78 and are pivotally connected to frame members 36, 38 by pivot pin 82. Link anns 80a, 80b have their outer ends disposed on either side of link 62 and are pivotally connected thereto by pivot pin 86 at a point spaced from pivot pin 68. Links 78', 80 are arcuately curved toward axis 26 and pivot pin 66, as seen in FIGS. 1 and 2.

It will now be seen that the first pair of links 62, 64 and the second pair of links 78, 80 form a toggle coupling forward end 44 of piston 28 to shoes 54, 56. Reference to FIG. 1 will show that with piston rod 28 fully retracted, the toggle will fully retract shoes 54, 56, the curvature of links 78, 80 accommodating the rear ends of projections 70, 76 on shoes 54, 56. Reference to FIGS. 2, 9 and 12 will show that when piston rod 28 is extended, the toggle will extend or spread shoes 54, 56. It will further be seen that the toggle mechanism provides a progressive increase in outward force exerted by shoes 54, 56 as piston rod 28 is progressively extended and the shoes are progressively moved outwardly. It will still further be seen that the linear movement of piston rod 28 between its fully retracted and fully extended position is substantially less than the outward movement of shoes 54, 56 between their fully retracted and extended positions.

Restraining member 88 is secured to frame members 36, 38 adjacent their forward ends 42 and extends transversely therebetween forwardly of links 78, 80. Restraining member 88 has a rearwardly facing V- shaped surface 90. The inner ends of lnnks 78, 80 are arcuately curved about the axis of pivot pin 82 and bear against rearwardly facing surface 90 of restraining member 88. The inner ends of links 62, 64 are likewise arcuately curved about the axis of pivot pin 66 and bear against forwardly facing surface 52 of pivot block 48. The outervends of links 62, 64 are arcuately curved about the axes of pivot pins 68, 74, respectively, and bear against the inner surfaces of grooves 71, 77 in shoes 54, 56. Thus, with the inner ends of the toggle links respectively bearing against the complementary surfaces of pivot block 48 and restraining member 88, and the outer ends bearing against the complementary inner surfaces of shoes 54, 56, strain is relieved from pivot pins 66, 68, 74 and 82 as piston rod 28 is extended and shoes, 56 move outwardly to open the core or interior opening of a collapsed roll.

The apparatus thus far described is substantially that disclosed in the aforesaid US. Pat. No. 3,635,440.

In accordance with the invention, a pointed nose member 92 is provided on longitudinal axis 26 and comprising spade element 94 and a pair of plate elements 96, 98 secured to mountingelements 100a, 100b, as by welding. Plate elements 96, 98 are disposed on opposite sides of axis 26 and with spade element 94 define a generally wedge-shaped configuration.

A pair of front shoe elements 102, 104 is provided respectively positioned between main shoes 54, 56 and plate elements 96, 98 of nose member 92. Shoe 102 has projection 106 depending therefrom and shoe member 104 has a pair of transversely spaced projections 108a, 108b depending therefrom. The rear end of projection 106 is disposed between the front ends of projections 70a, 70b on shoe 54 and is removably pivotally connected thereto by tapered pin 110. The front end of projection 76 on shoe 56 is disposed between the rear ends of projections 108a, 108b on shoe 104 and is removably pivotally connected thereto by tapered pin 112. The front end of projection 106 on shoe 102 is disposed between the front ends of projections 108a, 1081: on. shoe 104 which, in turn are disposed between mounting elements 100a, 1001; of nose member 92. The front ends of projections I06, 108a, l08b are pivotally connected to mounting elements a, 100b of nose member 92 by pivot pin 1 14 having its axis bisecting longitudinal axis 26.

It will be observed that shoes 102, 104 form a pair of links connecting nose member 92 to the front ends of shoes 54, 56.

It will be observed that in the retracted position of piston rod 28 of cylinder 24, rear ends 116 of front shoes 102, 104 are respectively closely spaced from front ends 72 of main shoes 54, 56, and that front ends 118 of front shoes 102, 104 are respectively closely spaced from rear ends 120 of plate elements 96, 98 of nose member 92. Front ends 118 of front shoes 102, 104 are slotted, as at 122, for a purpose shortly to be described.

It will further be observed that in the retracted position of piston 28 with main shoes 54, 56 in their retracted position, the outer surfaces of plate elements 96, 98 of nose member 92, generally form extensions of the outer surfaces of front shoes 102, 104 and main shoes 54, 56 and generally form a pointed, wedgeshaped configuration, as best seen in FIG. 1.

A pair of book members 124respectively depend from main shoes 54, 56 adjacent their rear ends '58. A generally O-shaped retaining member 60 is provided comprising a pair of transversely spaced side bar elements 126 respectively connected by a pair of rod elements 128. As best seen in FIGS. 1, 2 and 4, in the retracted and intermediate extended positions of apparatus 22, retainer member 60 surrounds frame members 36, 38 with rod elements 128 being respectively removably, pivotally engaged by book members 124.

In the illustrated and preferred embodiment, the outer surfaces of shoes 54, 56, 102, 104 are formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending, forwardly facing wedge segments 134.

Referring nowparticularly to FIG. 2, it will be observed that with retainer member 60 having its rod elements 128 engaged by book members 124 at the rear ends 158 of main shoes 54, 56, extension of piston rod 28 of cylinder 24 wil result in shoes 54, 56 being extended so as to be inclined outwardly and forwardly toward their front ends 72, rear ends 58 being retained in their retracted position by retainer member 60. This outward and forward inclination of shoes 54, 56 results in rearward retraction of nose member 92 with shoes 102, 104 being steeply inclined outwardly toward their rear ends 120, as shown in FIG. 2. Slots 122 and front ends 1 18 of front shoes 102, 104 accommodate mounting elements 100a, 10% of nose member 92 in this position.

When apparatus 22 is not under load, retainer member 60 may readily be removed from engagement by hook members 124 by merely exerting manual compressive force on rear ends 58 of shoes 54, 56 which will thus pivot around pivot pins 60, 74 sufficiently to disengage rod elements 128 from book members 124. After disengagement, retainer member 60 may be slid rearwardly along frame members 36, 38 and suspended from cylinder 24.

As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 5, in the illustrated embodiment, the transverse width of spade element 94 and plate elements 96, 98 of nose member 92, front shoes 102, 104 and main shoes 54, 56 is substantially equal to the transverse spacing between the outer surfaces of frame members 36, 38. However, it will be readily understood that the transverse width of nose member 92 and the front and main shoes may be greater than the transverse spacing between the outer surfaces of frame members 36, 38.

Referring now briefly to FIG. 6, in order to drive opener assembly 22 into the core or center opening of a collapsed roll, sleeve 132 having its end 134 closed by cap 136 may be positioned over cylinder 24 with its other end 138 abutting block 34, as shown. Cap 136 may then be impacted with a suitable mallet, as shown by arrow 140, thereby to drive opener assembly 22 in its retracted position into a collapsed core or central opening.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a substantially collapsed roll of sheet stock 142 is shown having a substantially collapsed core 144. In order to initiate the formation of a primary opening in core 144, pointed nose member 92 of apparatus 22 is inserted in one end 146 of core 144, apparatus 22 being in its retracted position with retainer member 60 attached as above-described. Sleeve 132 is positioned on cylinder 24 and cap 136 is impacted by mallet 148 thereby to drive the generally wedge-shaped assembly into core 144, as shown in FIG. 8. Impacting of cap 136 of sleeve 132 with mallet 148 may be accompanied by manual working of apparatus 22 up and down, as shown by arrows 150 which assists in entry of the primary opener into core 144, the wedgeshaped segments 134 on the outer surfaces of shoes 54, 56, 102, 104 facilitating entry and inhibiting expulsion of the apparatus.

Referring now to FIG. 9, when the primary opener apparatus 22 has been initially driven and/or manipulated into collapsed core 144 as far as possible, sleeve 132 is removed from cylinder 24 and manually or electrically actuated hydraulic pump 152 coupled to fitting 30 on cylinder 24 by hose 154. With retainer member 60 still connected to hooks 124 at the rear ends 58 of shoes 54, 56, pump 152 is actuated thereby to extend piston rod 28 and to extend shoes 54, 56 toward their intermediate extended positions, as shown. The force exerted on core 144 of roll 142 by this extension of shoes 54, 56 results in partial opening of core 144 adjacent end 146, as shown.

Referring now to FIG. 10, following initial extension of apparatus 22 to the extent possible as shown in FIG. 9 and described above, apparatus 22 is retracted, as by the opening of a valve (not shown) on pump 152 and, with retaining member 60 still attached, apparatus 22 is again impacted as shown in FIG. 7 and described above, thereby to drive the appratus further into core 144 as shown. The expanding, retracting and driving operations as shown in FIGS. 9, 7 and and described above are then repeated until the entire length of core 144 has been partially opened from end 146 to end 156, as shown in FIG. 11. Retaining member 60 is then removed and shoes 54, 56 extended thereby applying lateral outward force to core 144, as shown. The expanding and retracting operations with retainer member 60 removed are then repeated as necessary as apparatus 22 is progressively moved from end 146 toward end 156 of core 144 to complete the primary opening.

Referring now briefly to FIG. 12, in certain instances during operation of apparatus 22, it may be desirable to remove retainer member 60 upon insertion of the apparatus into core 144 and to extend shoes 54, 56 to provide a larger wedge-shaped configuration as shown.

Referring now to FIGS. 13 and 14, a collapsed coil 158 of sheet metal is shown vertically supported on pallet 160. Here, apparatus 22 (suspended manually or by a cable or chain, not shown) is initially inserted in central opening 162 and the central opening is initially opened, as above-described in connection with FIGS. 7-11. However, by virtue of end 164 of coil 158 being supported on pallet 160, sufficient drag is provided due to the weight of the coil to inhibit spreading of end 166 of central opening 162. Thus, when central opening 162 has been opened or spread as far as possible using the method steps described above, apparatus 22 is retracted, removed from central opening 162, and front shoes 102, 104 and pointed nose member 92 are re moved from shoes 54, 56 by removing pins 110, 112. Apparatus 22 is then again inserted in central opening 162 and shoes 54, 56 extended and retracted, sequentially, as assembly 22 is moved progressively downwardly to end 166 of central opening 162 thereby to complete the primary opening of central opening 162. It will readily be seen that retainer 60 may also be employed, if required, in connection with assembly 22 from which front shoes 102, 104 and nose member 92 have been removed.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an end view of a substantially collapsed core 144 is shown. Apparatus 22 may be initially insertedin core 144 adjacent one collapsed side 166, and the apparatus then actuated as abovedescribed to open side 166 as shown in dashed lines at 166a.

Referring now to FIG. 16, following opening of side 166 of core 144, apparatus 22 is again inserted in core 144 adjacent the other collapsed side 168 and apparatus 22 is then again actuated as above-described to open side 168 as above described, as shown in dashed lines at 168a. Referring now to FIG. 17, following initial opening of the opposite sides 166, 168 of collapsed core144, as above-described, apparatus 22 is positioned generally midway between the thus-opened sides 166a, 168a, and apparatus 22 is then again actuated to complete the primary opening, as shown in dashed lines at 144a.

Following formation of the primary opening 144a, as above-described, apparatus 22 is removed and other apparatus, such as that shown in the aforesaid application Ser. No. 69,791 is inserted in the primary opening and used to complete restoration of the core 144 and roll to its original cylindrical shape.

Referring now to FIGS. 18 through 20 in which like elements are indicated by like reference numerals and similar elements by primed reference numerals, another embodiment of the invention is shown, generally indicated at 169. Here, longitudinally elongated shoes 54, 56 are pivotally connected to links 62, 64 by short projections 76', as shown. Pointed nose assembly 170 is provided removably attached to front ends 42 of frame members 36, 38.

Nose assembly 170 comprises spade element 94' secured to front top and bottom plate elements 96', 98, as by welding. Plate elements 96, 98' are in turn secured to rear top and bottom plate elements 172, 174, as by welding. Plate elements 96', 98', 172, 174 are disposed on opposite sides of longitudinal axis 26 and mutually define with spade element 94' in a generally wedge-shaped configuration. Side plates 176, 178 are secured to plate elements 172, 174, as by welding, and extend rearwardly therefrom. Side plates 180, 182 are secured to side plates 176, 178, as by welding, and extend rearwardly from their rear ends 184, 186, respectively. Top and bottom plates 188, 190 are respectively secured to side plates 180, 182, as by welding, and mutually define a cavity 192 proportioned snugly to receive frame members 36, 38 in telescoping fashion with front ends 42 thereof engaging rear ends 184, 186 of side plates 176, 178.

Notches 194 are formed in side plates 176, 178 rearwardly of rear ends 196 of plate elements 172, 174 and receive front ends 72 of shoes 54, 56 in their retracted position. It will thus be seen that in the retracted position of shoes 54, 56, plate elements 96', 98, 172, 174 and shoes 54, 56in conjunction with spade element 94' form a generally pointed, wedge-shaped configuration thereby facilitating driving assembly 169 into a collapsed core or central opening, as above-described. It will be seen that pointed nose assembly 170 is readily attached to frame members 36, 38 by merely inserting front ends 42 thereof in cavity 192, and that nose assembly 170 is likewise readily removed from frame members 36, 38 thereby providing the basic forceexerting apparatus as above-described.

While there have been described above the principles of this invention in connection with specific apparatus, it is to be clearly understood that this description is made only by way of example and not as a limitation to the scope of the invention.

What is claimed is:

1. ln apparatus for opening a collapsed roll of sheet.

stock including a frame element having a front end, a pair of shoe elements respectively on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis which passes through said frame element and respectively having front ends, and means connected to said frame element for moving said shoe elements outwardly away from and inwardly toward said axis between extended and retracted positions; the improvement comprising a pointed nose member on said axis for facilitating entry of said apparatus into the center opening of a collapsed roll, and means for removably attaching said nose member to the front end of one of said frame element and pair of shoe elements.

2. The apparatus of claim I wherein said attaching means removably attaches said nose member to the front ends of said shoe elements.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attaching means removably attaches said nose member to the front end of said frame element.

4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidd nose member has outer surface portions respectively on opposite sides of said axis, said portions having rear ends respectively closely spaced from said front ends of said shoe elements in said retracted position thereof.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shoe elements respectively have outer surface portions, said nose member having outer surface portions respectively on opposite sides of said axis and generally forming a wedge-shaped configuration, said nose member surface portions respectively generally forming extensions of said outer surface portions of said shoe elements in said retracted position theroef.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shoe elements have rear ends, said moving means being pivotally connected to said shoe elements intermediate said front and rear ends thereof, and further comprising means removably connected to said shoe elements adjacent said rear ends thereof for retaining said rear ends in said retracted position whereby said shoe elements are inclined upwardly and forwardly to said front ends thereof upon actuation of said moving means.

7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises a pair of links respectively connecting said nose member to the front ends of said shoe elements.

8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said links has forward and rear ends, each of said links having its rear end pivotally connected to the front end of the respective shoe element, the front ends of said links being pivotally connected to said nose member at a common point on said axis.

9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said shoe elements are elongated and have rear ends, said moving means including another pair of links respectively having ends pivotally connected to said shoe elements intermediate said front and rear ends thereof, and further comprising a retaining member, and means for removably, pivotally connecting said retaining member to said shoe elements adjacent said rear ends thereof for retaining said rear ends in said retracted position whereby said shoe elements are inclined upwardly and forwardly to said front ends thereof upon actuation of said moving means.

10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said retaining member is generally O-shaped and surrounds said frame element, said connecting means comprising' hook members respectively secured to said shoe elements and respectively removably, pivotally engaging said retaining member.

11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said pair of said links comprise another pair of shoe elements intermediate said first-named pair of shoe elements and said nose member.

12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said other nose elements respectively have front and rear ends and outer surface portions, said nose member having outer surface portions respectively on opposite sides of said axis and generally forming a wedge-shaped configuration, said nose member portions having rear ends respectively closely spaced from said front ends of said other shoe elements in said retracted position, said rear ends of said other shoe elements I being respectively closely spaced from said front ends of said first shoe elements in said retracted position, said nose member surface portions respectively forming extensions of said outer surface portions of said first and second shoe elements and generally forming a wedge-shaped configuration in said retracted position.

13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said first and second shoe elements respectively have outer surfaces formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending, forwardly facing wedge-shaped segments.

14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shoe elements respectively have outer surfaces formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending, forwardly facing wedge-shaped segments.

15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises means on said nose member for telescopically receiving said front end of said frame element.

16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said nose member has outer surface portions respectively on opposite sides of said axis and generally forming a wedgeshaped configuration, said surface portions respectively having rear ends, said receiving means extending rearwardly from said surface portions, said shoe elements being elongated with said front ends overlying said receiving means and being closely spaced from said rear ends of said surface portions in said retracted position, said shoe elements respectively having outer surface portions, said nose member surface portions generally forming extensions of said surface portions of said shoe elements in said retracted position thereof and forming a generally wedge-shaped configuration. 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shoe elements are longitudinally elongated and respectively have rear. ends, said attaching means comprising a second pair of longitudinally elongated shoe elements respectively having front and rear ends, said rear ends of said second shoe elements being respectively removably pivotally connected to said front ends of said firstmentioned shoe elements, said front ends of said second shoe elements being pivotally connected to said nose member at a common point on said axis, said nose member and first and second shoe elements forming a generally wedge-shaped configuration in said retracted position, and further comprising means removably connected to said first shoe elements adjacent said rear ends thereof'for retaining said rear ends in said retracted position whereby'said first shoe elements are inclined upwardly and forwardly to said front ends thereon upon actuation of said moving means.

k 10! i i i 

1. In apparatus for opening a collapsed roll of sheet stock including a frame element having a front end, a pair of shoe elements respectively on opposite sides of a longitudinal axis which passes through said frame element and respectively having front ends, and means connected to said frame element for moving said shoe elements outwardly away from and inwardly toward said axis between extended and retracted positions; the improvement comprising a pointed nose member on said axis for facilitating entry of said apparatus into the center opening of a collapsed roll, and means for removably attaching said nose member to the front end of one of said frame element and pair of shoe elements.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attaching means removably attaches said nose member to the front ends of said shoe elements.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attaching means removably attaches said nose member to the front end of said frame element.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein saidd nose member has outer surface portions respectively on opposite sides of said axis, said portions having rear ends respectively closely spaced from said front ends of said shoe elements in said retracted position thereof.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shoe elements respectively have outer surface portions, said nose member having outer surface portions respectively on opposite sides of said axis and generally forming a wedge-shaped configuration, said nose member surface portions respectively generally forming Extensions of said outer surface portions of said shoe elements in said retracted position theroef.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shoe elements have rear ends, said moving means being pivotally connected to said shoe elements intermediate said front and rear ends thereof, and further comprising means removably connected to said shoe elements adjacent said rear ends thereof for retaining said rear ends in said retracted position whereby said shoe elements are inclined upwardly and forwardly to said front ends thereof upon actuation of said moving means.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises a pair of links respectively connecting said nose member to the front ends of said shoe elements.
 8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein each of said links has forward and rear ends, each of said links having its rear end pivotally connected to the front end of the respective shoe element, the front ends of said links being pivotally connected to said nose member at a common point on said axis.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said shoe elements are elongated and have rear ends, said moving means including another pair of links respectively having ends pivotally connected to said shoe elements intermediate said front and rear ends thereof, and further comprising a retaining member, and means for removably, pivotally connecting said retaining member to said shoe elements adjacent said rear ends thereof for retaining said rear ends in said retracted position whereby said shoe elements are inclined upwardly and forwardly to said front ends thereof upon actuation of said moving means.
 10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein said retaining member is generally O-shaped and surrounds said frame element, said connecting means comprising hook members respectively secured to said shoe elements and respectively removably, pivotally engaging said retaining member.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein said pair of said links comprise another pair of shoe elements intermediate said first-named pair of shoe elements and said nose member.
 12. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said other nose elements respectively have front and rear ends and outer surface portions, said nose member having outer surface portions respectively on opposite sides of said axis and generally forming a wedge-shaped configuration, said nose member portions having rear ends respectively closely spaced from said front ends of said other shoe elements in said retracted position, said rear ends of said other shoe elements being respectively closely spaced from said front ends of said first shoe elements in said retracted position, said nose member surface portions respectively forming extensions of said outer surface portions of said first and second shoe elements and generally forming a wedge-shaped configuration in said retracted position.
 13. The apparatus of claim 11 wherein said first and second shoe elements respectively have outer surfaces formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending, forwardly facing wedge-shaped segments.
 14. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shoe elements respectively have outer surfaces formed by a plurality of longitudinally extending, forwardly facing wedge-shaped segments.
 15. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said attaching means comprises means on said nose member for telescopically receiving said front end of said frame element.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein said nose member has outer surface portions respectively on opposite sides of said axis and generally forming a wedge-shaped configuration, said surface portions respectively having rear ends, said receiving means extending rearwardly from said surface portions, said shoe elements being elongated with said front ends overlying said receiving means and being closely spaced from said rear ends of said surface portions in said retracted position, said shoe elements respectively having outer surface portions, said nose member surface portions generally forming extensionS of said surface portions of said shoe elements in said retracted position thereof and forming a generally wedge-shaped configuration.
 17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said shoe elements are longitudinally elongated and respectively have rear ends, said attaching means comprising a second pair of longitudinally elongated shoe elements respectively having front and rear ends, said rear ends of said second shoe elements being respectively removably pivotally connected to said front ends of said first-mentioned shoe elements, said front ends of said second shoe elements being pivotally connected to said nose member at a common point on said axis, said nose member and first and second shoe elements forming a generally wedge-shaped configuration in said retracted position, and further comprising means removably connected to said first shoe elements adjacent said rear ends thereof for retaining said rear ends in said retracted position whereby said first shoe elements are inclined upwardly and forwardly to said front ends thereon upon actuation of said moving means. 